so, i started reading more and talking to a few people with regards to the studio design.

i've come up with this:
http://www.tateeskew.com/source_images/tates_one_room_studio_3_iso.png

the closet behind the console, the lounge and the iso room will all be 12 foot ceilings, so there will be loft space above them for a couple of beds and some more storage as well.

the room modes are much better with this setup as well. it also give the lounge area just a bit more width (2 feet) without taking away from the overall recording space too much.